Event Description
Columbus, GA has quickly become a Triathlon Mecca. It is home to a Half Distance held in April, a Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon held in July, an Olympic Triathlon and Duathlon held in August. The 4-6ft down river swims, flat to rolling hills (Half course only) on the bike, and the flat and scenic run course appeal to both the beginner and advanced triathlete. We look forwrd seeing you and welcoming you to our community.
Event details and schedule
We hope you are getting excited! We are looking forward to a great race. To keep you updated on the race events you will find some race information below. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at either tricolumbusga@gmail.com 8084787576 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TriColumbusGA?ref=hl
Start Time:
We will be starting the race at 7:30am.
Parking:
Please park in the parking garage located on Front Ave, half a block north of Dillingham Ave or any where on the street where parking is permitted. There will not be any parking in the parking lot where Transition is located.
Important Points:
You will find all the important points for the weekend on this map (transition, parking, finish line, Friday packet pick up)
Packet Pick Up:
Ride On Bikes located at 1036 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901. Their phone number is (706) 324-1132. Packets may be picked up Friday from 4-7pm or Saturday at transition from 5:30am-7:10am.
**race swag is not guaranteed for those who register late**
All athletes MUST bring all of the following to Packet Pick Up:
1. Government issue valid photo ID
2. Valid USAT card (if a member)
USAT Rules and Regulations:
The TriColumbusGA Chattahoochee Challenge Race Series is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. This will mean that all participants will need to be either an annual member of USAT or
procure a one-day membership and sign a waiver. One day memberships for 2020 are $15 which can be purchased during registration.
River:
The water temperature is typically 62-64 degrees. The race will be wetsuit legal. NO PRACTICE SWIMS ARE PERMITTED FRIDAY FOR YOUR SAFETY.
Swim Waves:
Athletes will start the swim portion of the race from a dock off the stairs at the swim start. (Woodruff Park)
Swim Waves are as follows:
7:30am-Men 50 over and all 19 and under
7:33- Women 35 and over
7:36- Men 40-44
7:39- Men 45-49
7:42– Women 34 and under
7:45 – Men 30-39
7:48– Men 20-29
7:51 – All Relays
Waves are subject to change based on registration numbers. Please be at the swim start at 7:15am.
Pre Swim and Wetsuits:
The swim will be wetsuit legal. Water temperatures will be in the mid 60s. Xterra Wetsuits has granted a discount code of C-MULTI. This will provide a discount of 50-60%. http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/
Transition:
Transition Area is located behind the Trade Center in field next to The Columbus Trade Center is located at 801 Front Avenue Columbus, GA 31901-2714
Swim Course:
Athletes will follow the ORANGE buoys, keeping them on their LEFT, downstream and follow the YELLOW buoys upstream, keeping them on their RIGHT. This flow of traffic is for your safety.
Lifeguards will help keep athletes on course. Please listen to their instructions.
Should you need assistance for any reason, please let the lifeguards know. They will be located on the bank as well as in kayaks along the course.
There will be a USAT official on the course to enforce USAT Rules and Regulations.
Run Course
Courses can be found at www.tricolumbusga.com. There will be nutrition/hydration opportunities approximately every mile. Nutritional options include, but are not limited to Cerasport, water, gels, coke, pretzels, chips, cookies, pickle juice, etc.
Restrooms will be located in transition/aid station 1 and the aid stations located on the Columbus portion of the run course (14th St Bridge and 7th/Front).
Run Course:
The run course is very flat 2-loop course. Aid stations are located approx every 1 mile. Should family and friends wish to send their athlete a motivational message there will be sidewalk chalk available at each aid station.
Cut Off Times:
Swim: 1 hour and 10 minutes after final wave start
Bike: 5 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Run: 8 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Itinerary:
Friday April 17:
Packet Pick up at Ride On Bikes (located on Broadway)
Saturday April 18:
5:30am Transition Opens/Race day registration/Packet Pick up
7:10am Transition Closes
7:15am Pre race Brief at swim start
7:27am National Anthem
7:29am Cannon Fires from the National Infantry Museum Historical Boat
7:30am Race Starts
9:00am Swim Course Closes
1:30pm Bike Course Closes
Approx 2pm Awards Ceremony (official time will be announced throughout the day)
4:30pm Race Course Closes
Bike Check In:
Bikes will be checked in race morning only.
Nutrition:
Bike: Aid Stations at mile 15, 30 and 40, water, and sports drink
Run: Aid Station approx. every mile -water, sports drink and gels, coke, cookies, chips, fruit, etc
Entertainment:
TBD
Weather:
In the event of inclement weather…There are no “rain dates” for TriColumbusGA events. If the weather conditions are hazardous, Race Management has the right to change, eliminate parts of the course, or delay up to a point. However, if it is deemed to dangerous to race, the event will be canceled and there will be no refunds. Of course, since we are athletes ourselves, we will do everything in our power to have the event, but your safety is of our utmost concern.
Volunteers:
If you would like to volunteer please contact tricolumbusgavolunteers@gmail.com with availability and Volunteer in the subject line.
Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tricolumbusga for updated information as it comes. If you have any questions or concerns please email tricolumbusga@gmail.com.
On behalf of the City of Columbus and TriColumbusGA, we welcome you to our great city. We look forward to seeing you April 18!
Joanne Cogle
Race Director
